Theo James (the actor from Divergent) has this to say as he heads to COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan!

COP29 world leaders family photo! 👪

World leaders attending COP29 pose for a family photo in Baku, Azerbaijan. Photos by Murad Sezer/Reuters

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says COP29 “must tear down the walls to climate finance,” with the G20 taking the lead.

In his opening speech in Baku, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev addresses critics who he said were advocating for a COP29 boycott.

The session where the Philippines signs a host country agreement with the Loss and Damage Fund board is about to begin. @here

COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev says the Loss and Damage Fund "will be able to flow in 2025."

There are going to be three breakthroughs today. The COP29 presidency will sign three agreements with the Philippines, the World Bank, and the donor countries– all to fully operationalize the fund.

"This an important win for vulnerable communities. It is the result of years of work," Babayev said, referring to the two previous COP presidencies. @here

Jean-Christophe Donnellier, one of the co-chairs of the board, says: It’s been a journey. It’s been complicated. It’s a little bit long. Today is not a day to elaborate, it’s a day to celebrate. 

Environment Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga signs the host country agreement on Tuesday, November 12, with the Loss and Damage Fund board, finally formalizing the Philippines as host. The agreement gives privileges, immunities, and legal capacities to the board in Philippine territory. During her short speech before signing, Loyzaga mentioned the country’s “deep and personal stake in ensuring that the fund for loss and damage succeeds.” @here

In case you missed it... While we're also following developments at COP, we also interview one of the senior journalists from OCCRP about their reportage on the links of the ruling family to COP29 corporate partners. Here's my conversation earlier with Ilya Lozovsky. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyEaj-xiRSI

Groups, fisherfolk held a fluvial protest near the LNG plants in Batangas City last November 11, calling an end to fossil gas expansion.

"Every dollar spent on fossil gas could advance renewable energy systems. Gas is not a bridge but a blow to the future we need," said Lidy Nacpil, coordinator of Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development, in a statement. Photos from APMDD @here

The Philippines signed a host country agreement with the Loss and Damage Fund Board!

National statements continue on day 2 of COP29! For realtime updates, go here: https://www.rappler.com/world/global-affairs/cop29-azerbaijan-united-nations-climate-conference-updates-2024/

In a high-level event on Wednesday, November 13, Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis shared some of their experiences in improving early warning systems in the country. Mitsotakis said they focused on tech, governance, and "building relationships of trust." Some of the specific things he shared: text blasting early warning, creation of the Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, and building an "evacuation culture." @here

Meanwhile, China's special climate envoy for climate change Liu Zhenmin showed during the meeting China's Action Plan on Early Warning for Climate Change Adaptation (2025-2027) (which, according to a report from the World Meteorological Organization, was just published today).

Global CO2 emissions to hit record high in 2024, report says
The Global Carbon Budget report, published during COP29, says global CO2 emissions are set to total 41.6 billion metric tons in 2024, up from 40.6 billion tons in 2023

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/environment/report-global-carbon-emissions-hit-record-high-2024/

Missing Kristine flood victim in Naga City found dead
Authorities recover the remains of 18-year-old Cassie Poyaoan, the remaining missing person from Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, after a three-week search in Naga City

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/luzon/missing-kristine-flood-victim-naga-city-found-dead-november-2024/

Development bank financing pledge gives COP29 summit early boost
The chief aim of the conference in Azerbaijan is to secure a wide-ranging international climate financing agreement that ensures up to trillions of dollars for climate projects

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/environment/development-bank-financing-pledge-gives-cop29-early-boost/

ICYMI: China plans to create a "global early warning system for all." @here https://www.rappler.com/world/global-affairs/china-commits-global-early-warning-system-cop29/

At #COP29, actor and UNHCR goodwill ambassador Theo James puts the spotlight on refugees and the need to protect people displaced by the effects of climate change.

Bookmark this page for #COP29Azerbaijan updates: rappler.com/cop29

House resolution seeks probe into mining operations on Abra IP land
Abra Representative Ching Bernos calls for an inquiry by the House committees on cultural communities and natural resources into the activities of Yamang Mineral Corporation in the province

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/luzon/house-resolution-seeks-probe-mining-operations-abra-indigenous-peoples-land/

COP29: What is the latest science on climate change?
Scientists say that evidence shows global warming and its impacts are unfolding faster than expected

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/environment/latest-science-climate-change-2024/